A Right Royal Mix-up

Summary:

She was a dead ringer for a runaway princess. So British tourist Lily Evans was hired to impersonate the missing monarch – at her arranged engagement to a real live prince! Riches galore would be Lily's during the royal masquerade. As would the company of the most romantic would-be bridegroom: Prince James Potter…

Regal, handsome, yet reluctant to wed without love, James enchanted tender-hearted Lily. And she selflessly wanted him to savour a storybook marriage when his true bride returned. So she wooed James – and won him – preparing to sacrifice all, but wishing her own fairytale would end happily ever after… with James as her husband…

Disclaimer – It's not mine!

Here we go, the uncensored version! This is the first chapter that is different from the normal version, and it's not really that different at the moment, but this version gets quite naughty later on, I promise!

Chapter 3

                During the first few days of their visit, Lily and Ariadne explored Bienville thoroughly, from the picturesque harbour to the extensive green parks. They visited museums, took off their shoes and walked along white sandy beaches, and admired the statues in numerous small squares around the city.

            At night they avoided the glitzy restaurants catering to tourists, and ate instead in one of the many little cafes dotting the waterfront or tucked into quaint winding streets.

            After dinner they often dropped in at some of the small clubs where the natives went. Le Carnaval was their favourite bistro. It had nightly entertainment by different local artists. Lily and Ariadne had enjoyed a jazz combo so much that they planned to return the next evening to hear the folksinger who was scheduled to appear.

            Unfortunately, Ariadne ate something at lunch the following day that didn't agree with her. By evening her stomach was queasy and she felt rotten, but she was determined not to let it slow her down.

            "I'll feel a lot better after I take a shower and change clothes," she insisted when Lily advised her to go to bed.

            "It's silly to drag yourself around when you feel this way. If you stay in and get a good night's sleep you'll have a better chance of feeling fine in the morning."

            Ariadne wavered. "I was looking forward to hearing that folksinger," she said tentatively. She might not be there again while we're here."

            "Then somebody equally good will be. Get into bed and I'll go out and bring you back some soup."

            Ariadne made a face. "I don't want anything to eat. Go ahead and have a good time at the bistro. If I'm asleep when you get back you can tell me about it in the morning."

            "I'm not going without you," Lily protested.

            "Why not? I'm the one with the upset stomach. There's no reason for you to give up your evening."

            "It's no big deal. We were out all day. I could use a restful night myself."

            "That's just plain silly," Ariadne insisted. "What would you do here, watch me sleep?"

            They argued back and forth before Ariadne prevailed on her friend to go out for dinner, at least.

***

            Although Lily allowed herself to be convinced, she intended to return as soon as she'd eaten. After lingering over coffee, however, it was still only eight-thirty. Much too early to go to bed, but Ariadne was undoubtedly asleep. Turning on a lamp or lighting her wand might wake her, so it was pointless to go back to the room. Lily decided to stop in at Le Carnaval for just a short time.

            The show had already started and every table was taken, but the owner found a place for her at the long bar that spanned one wall of the room.

            The singer had a hauntingly beautiful voice. The crowded room was hushed, as everyone listened, entranced. The show ended with enthusiastic applause, after many encores.

            Lily turned impulsively to the man next to her. "Wasn't she fantastic?" It was more a comment than a question.

            "I suppose so," he answered indifferently.

            "That sounds as if you didn't like her."

            She had only glanced at him before. Now she took a closer look, noticing that he was darkly handsome, although the day's growth of stubble on his face gave him a dangerous appearance. A striped cotton T-shirt clung to his broad chest and wide shoulders, and tight jeans moulded his narrow hips. Quite an impressive specimen of manhood. He also looked faintly familiar, although that was unlikely. What Quidditch player did he resemble? she wondered idly.

            James was taking a comprehensive look at Lily, as well. A real beauty, he concluded. A woman who didn't need glamorous makeup to attract attention. Those thick lashes looked like her own, and her mouth was naturally seductive, not drawn with a brush into an exaggerated pout that was supposed to be sexy but turned him off.

            She was definitely the kind of woman who would have interested him under different circumstances. But he no longer had any freedom of choice, James reminded himself bleakly.

            Lily was puzzled by the austere look on his face. "You're entitled to your own opinion, of course, but everyone else seemed to like her. You must be very hard to please."

            A sardonic smile curved James's mouth. "That's what my father tells me."

            "Well, he should know." She was sorry she'd started a conversation. The man might be a real hunk, but he wasn't very pleasant.

            As she started to slide off the bar stool he stopped her. "I'm sorry if I sounded abrupt. My life fell apart recently, but there's no reason to take it out on you. Please stay and let me buy you a drink to make amends."

            "You don't have to be polite. I've been in those moods where I just wanted to be left alone."

            "I thought I did, but I've discovered I'm not very good company." He gave her an appealing smile. "Won't you stay and talk to me?"

            "If you want me to. I'm a good listener if you'd like to talk about what's bothering you. Sometimes the problem doesn't seem as insurmountable after all, and it's easier to talk to a stranger, someone you know you won't ever see again."

            "You're very kind, but a man would be a fool to waste time on introspection when he's with such a beautiful lady." James's expression changed as he gazed at her lovely face.  "Tonight I'm just a fellow named Philippe who doesn't have a care in the world."

            "That was a quick transition," Lily commented.

            "I don't have much time left." His brown eyes were momentarily sombre. Then they lightened. "But enough about me. Tell me about yourself."

            "I have a feeling your story is more interesting." She provided the opening, but hesitated to question him further. Did Philippe have an incurable disease? He looked to be in perfect shape, but that remark about the shortness of time sounded ominous.

            James didn't take the bait. "Everybody thinks his or her story would make a fascinating book," he said smoothly. "But in reality, most of them would be incredibly dull. The things people would do with their lives if they had the chance are a lot more interesting."

            "What would you do with yours?"

            He gazed at the bottles behind the bar without really seeing them. "I'd like to build and run a hospital in Africa or South America, so poor people in remote areas can get the help they need."

            "Oh, are you a doctor? Have you ever done that kind of work?" Lily asked. "Perhaps you could look into one of those overseas mission charities that do that kind of thing."

            His mouth twisted derisively. "We're talking about our private fantasies, remember? Acting them out would take away the glamour. I'd have to get up at dawn and do back-breaking labour."

            She looked at him disapprovingly. "There's no such thing as a free lunch. If you want something, you have to work for it. Nothing is handed to us on a silver platter."

            "It is in a make-believe world. What would your life be like if you could do anything you wanted?"

            "Actually, I wouldn't change much. Oh, I suppose I could use more money – everyone could. But I have a stimulating job, good friends and a wide variety of interests. I'm fairly satisfied with my life."

            "You're remarkably wholesome." James smiled.

            Lily wrinkled her nose in distaste. "That makes me about as stimulating as a bowl of jelly."

            "What's wrong with being sweet and well-adjusted?"

            "Nothing, if you would just add glamorous and exciting." She grinned.

            He gazed at her with a distinctly male expression. "I'm sure you could excite a man beyond his wildest dreams," he said in a deepened tone.

            His husky tone evoked an image of just how exciting he could be. Suddenly Lily could imagine his firm mouth moving over hers, teasing her lips apart while he moulded her body to his hard frame.

            She gave a breathless little laugh. "That's very nice, but I noticed you omitted any reference to glamour."

            "You don't need me to tell you how beautiful you are. I'm sure great numbers of men have told you that."

            "It's not something you ever get tired of hearing," she said lightly.

            "In that case, I'll be happy to oblige." He took her hand and kissed the palm. "You have the face of an angel and the body of a siren. I'd like to hold you in my arms and make love to you all night long. I want to kiss every single spot that gives you pleasure, and hear you call my name as you reach fulfilment."

            Lily was mesmerised by his seductive voice and the desire evident on his handsome face. She could almost feel his hands and mouth moving over her body.

            With a conscious effort, she banished the erotic vision. Drawing her hand away she said coolly, "I didn't mean for you to be that graphic."

            His eyes sparkled with amusement. As though he knew the effect he'd had on her, Lily thought crossly. No wonder. With his charisma and sexual potency, the man could make a mummy wake up and want to tango!

            "I'm sorry," he said with a transparent attempt at penitence. "I was merely being honest. You have no cause for alarm, however. I'd like very much to make love to you, but I can't."

            "Oh?"

            James laughed at the startled expression on her face. "I didn't mean that the way it sounds. I'd bring great enthusiasm to the opportunity, but I can't because you are what's called 'a nice girl' and I'm an honourable man." Before she could question him, a small combo started to play and he stood and extended his hand. "Come, dance with me."

            As Lily slid off her stool her bag fell to the floor. When James stooped to pick it up, a small gold disk he was wearing on a thin gold chain around his neck swung free. It had been concealed under his T-shirt.

            He quickly replaced it, but not before she'd caught a glimpse of intricate workmanship. The little gold circle appeared to have a jewelled crest of some sort.

            "That looked lovely," she remarked. "What is it?"

            "Just something my parents gave me long ago," he answered dismissively.

            She wanted to know more, but when he took her in his arms it didn't seem important. The chemistry between them was awesome. She'd been acutely aware of his masculinity at the bar, but nothing like this. Her body conformed to his as though it were made for the purpose.

            He seemed to feel the magic, too. "Sweet stranger," he said huskily, curling his hand around the nape of her neck underneath the bright curls. "You're utterly bewitching."

            Their faces were so close that she could see each spiky black lash fringing his brown eyes. "You don't even know my name," she murmured.

            "It must be Angelique." His arms tightened around her waist, making her even more aware of him. "You look like an angel."

            Lily gave a little laugh, seeking to break the dangerous spell he was weaving around her. "Appearances can be deceiving. You don't really know me. I could be like all the other women in your life – the ones you came here to get away from. Or should I say, the one." It suddenly occurred to Lily that Philippe might have been moody because he'd just broken up with his girlfriend.

            "You're the only woman in my life tonight." His lips brushed across her temple in a feathery caress. "This evening is more special to me than you know. I wish it didn't have to end."

            Lily found herself wishing the same thing. She would never see Philippe again after tonight, but he would be a lasting memory of this romantic trip. She sighed happily and nestled her head in the curve of his shoulder.

            When the music stopped they sat at a table and drank white wine and talked. They avoided any personal details – it was part of the piquancy of this strange encounter. But they still found a lot to talk about – everything from politics to modern art. They also discovered they were both magical, and they talked for a while about the threat You-Know-Who posed to both wizarding and Muggle communities. Their discussions were lively because they were both well-informed, but they didn't always agree. That was also part of the stimulation.

            The time flew by. They didn't realise how late it had gotten until the waiter told them the bistro was closing.

            "We've been sitting for hours. Let's take a walk," James suggested.

            "That's a good idea." Lily was as reluctant as he was to see the evening end. "We can go down to the beach and stroll along the sand."

            The deserted beach was beautiful in the moonlight. Little wavelets rushed in to foam along the shoreline before skittering back to sea. Fringing the sand were tall palm trees that bowed and whispered to each other in the flower-scented breeze. The only signs of life came from the lights on the sleek yachts anchored in the harbour.

            "It's so quiet, no Muggles in cars or playing loud music," Lily commented. "We could be on a deserted island."

            James squeezed her hand. "I can't think of anyone I'd rather be marooned with."

            "It sounds romantic, but we'd need to chop wood and cook over an open fire. No supermarkets, either. We'd have to hunt and fish for our dinner. You're allergic to work," she teased.

            "The rewards would be worth it. There wouldn't be anything to do at night except make love."

            "That sounds romantic, too, but after a few days you'd miss your morning Daily Prophet and watching Quidditch. You'd get very grumpy."

            He grinned mischievously. "Not if you cooperated."

            "Oh, I see!" she exclaimed in mock indignation. "I'm supposed to make all the effort."

            He stopped and turned to frame her face in his palms. "It would be a privilege just to have the opportunity to bring you pleasure."

            Their faces were so close that she could feel his warm breath feathering her skin. Lily gazed into the fathomless dark pools of his eyes and parted her lips, knowing he was going to kiss her.

            James's mouth was cool and firm, moving gently against hers, savouring enjoyment. When she responded automatically, his arms closed around her and he deepened the kiss.

            It was incredibly arousing. His mouth promised untold ecstasy, and his caressing hands reinforced the promise. She clasped her arms around his neck in an instinctive effort to get closer.

            He reacted instantly, folding her so close that she was aware of ever hard muscle in his lean body. Then his mouth claimed hers again and her satisfaction was complete.

            "Lovely Angelique," he said huskily, when he finally dragged his mouth away. "You're irresistible."

            Lily knew she was playing with fire. Philippe's desire was unmistakeable, and her own was threatening to flame out of control. Still, it was difficult to move out of his seductive embrace.

            He made the decision for her. Clasping her shoulders, he reluctantly put a small distance between them. Giving her a crooked smile, he said, "You're very potent medicine, little angel. If I don't stop now, I might not be able to."

            Lily glanced up at the stars, hoping he didn't realise that for one impulsive moment she hadn't wanted him to stop. "It must be awfully late," she murmured. "I should go."

            "I'll get you a taxi. I doubt you'll want to risk the Knight bus." He didn't try to persuade her to stay, or offer to take her home.

            The taxi stand on the promenade was deserted at this late hour, but there was a telephone to summon a cab. The mood between them changed while they were waiting. Lily felt awkward suddenly, and James seemed withdrawn.

            "It's been a lovely evening," she said, trying to make small talk to fill the silence. "I'm glad I decided to come tonight. I wasn't going to at first."

            "It appears we were destined to meet," he said lightly. "I only dropped in there on a whim."

            "Lucky for you," she joked. "You were really grouchy at first, but then I solved all your problems."

            He touched her cheek gently. "Unfortunately they don't have a solution. I don't know if meeting you made them better or worse, but I'll always remember your generosity."

            As she gazed at him uncertainly, wishing she could think of something that would revive his earlier high spirits, the taxi arrived. James leaned forward and kissed her cheek before stepping back.

            She stared through the cab window at his tall, lean silhouette for as long as it was visible, feeling a curious sense of loss.

Hope you liked it! Put in some L/J action for you. Next chapter, I actually get started on the plot! And tell me what you think about the romance. I'm boyfriendless at the mo, so I don't know if it's that good…

Deep fried Meringue!!!!

Sorry about that. I have a bit of a meringue fetish…